Pop Cult

my #52Movies project was a fail. I was ready af to commit and my ADD absolutely destroyed any sign of consistency after my first six posts. Let's try this again..

Last year, I chose to change my form of "new to me" media consumtpion from one new movie a week to..

reading one book a month. I knew it was going to be so much more challenging than the movie project because I had to actually pay attention..but alas, not only did I complete it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Stay tuned for titles, reviews, opinions and thoughts..

6. Psycho

Rating: 8.5/10

What a classic.

I have always had the attention span of a goldfish, so I need bright colors and loud sounds for me to focus, especially in movies. I remember I took a film class in college and all we watched were older movies where they were either black and white or had really dull color, so obviously I don't remember a single one. Which is why I always stayed away from anything Alfred Hitchcock.

Big mistake. I loved Psycho. I wasn't expecting much from an old film besides the cult aspect of it, but it's actually a really good movie. The ending twist I definitely did not see coming. It became an instant favorite for me and I have since watched half of it again. I'll finish the other half later.

I know it inspired the show "Bates Motel," and I'm a huge fan of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, so I actually did watch the first season when it was airing and I thourougly enjoyed it. I just never got around to watching the movie that inspired it all.

Later down the line, if I can't find a movie for #52Movies, I might just add in American Psycho to see if it lives up to the original.

I gave it a 8.5 because, even though I thought it was awesome, I still can't get past the black and white. I had to take an Adderall to give the movie my full attention. Totally personal preference, but I definitley prefer movies in color.

5. White Men Can't Jump

Rating: 9/10

I am a big movie buyer. I buy at least one movie a week from the iTunes store. The number of times I saw this movie in the $4.99 promo section, I can't even tell you. I finally ended up just watching it on Hulu because it was being promoted on one of their genre pages. I'm so mad that I waited this long to watch this movie.

Woody fucking Harrelson. That's it. So good. Forgive me for not knowing how great he was when he was a young actor. With all the energy given from Wesley Snipes and Rosie Perez, I really thought he would have gotten lost in the background because today his roles are so much more dramatic, but god damn I was wrong.

I gave this movie a 9. The cast chemistry was great. The actual story pissed me off with how irresponsible he was, but other than that it was good. The LA beach setting was perfect. I think my favorite part about the whole movie was how they were able to encapsulate 90s streetwear fashion. I found myself paying more attention to what everyone was wearing instead of the actual dialogue more than once.

4. Gremlins

Rating: 6/10

What a dark twist on a movie that I thought would be more on the huggable side. I always knew these gremlin shits were demonic when they were exposed to water, but I never knew they went around and killed people and caused all that damage to the city. So sick.

The absolute best part of the movie was when the gremlins were terrorizing Mrs. Deagle and they fucked with her stair chairlift and she went flying out the window - pure comedy.

I rated this one a 6 because while the movie had a good cast and was an okay watch, it definitely gives me more "background movie" vibes. I see why its such a cult movie, but it just didn't do it for me.

I will not be watching the sequel. But if i happen to see a Gizmo for sale, I'm definitely buying one.

3. Castaway

Rating: 8/10

WILSOOOOON!

Poor Tom Hanks in this movie. The fact that his girl moved on and he came home after spending years lost on a deserted island was the most heartbreaking part of this whole movie. This movie doesn’t leave you with a “happily ever after” like most movies do, so the emotional aspect of the film is what makes it so captivating.

I chose this movie because I always saw the Wilson volleyball for sale at Big 5 and Target but never understood the red handprint on it. I also chose this because Kristen Wiig’s character mentions the movie numerous times in the film Bridesmaids. Lastly, after watching Forrest Gump, I became such a huge fan of Tome Hanks, so that also aided in choosing this movie.

Great movie. May not watch again.

2. Ghostbusters

Rating: 4.5/10

And just as great as we started this series, it all went to shit with the second film I picked. You’d think with all the hype around, I’d think different, but no.

The actors they got for the film were, I have to say, top notch. That was really the only reason I watched as much of the movie that I did. Yeah, I didn’t finish it. It just screamed “corny” and I wasn’t into it. For what it’s worth, I really did try to watch it and give it a fair chance.

Though I know my unpopular opinion is more than unwelcome, I genuinely respect the following that franchise has created. More so with the remake with the all-female main cast and the sequel. I wish I thought different of it, but oh well.

1. Forrest Gump

Rating: 9/10

What a way to start this series. I loved everything about this film. Tom Hanks deserves all the praise he got from this role. I now understand why people looked at me weird for never having seen this movie.

I thought the inclusion of the many historic events in American history that somehow Forrest got himself into was so cleverly funny. I also really enjoyed the toxic relationship he had with Jenny.

This movie was definitely one that I will watch again. It made me want to visit the nearest Bubba Gump just because I appreciate the story behind the restaurant so much more.

This year, my resolution was to watch a movie I haven’t watched every week. I didn’t really have a criteria to follow, but I am drawn more towards films that are constantly referenced in pop culture. I’m also really interested in actors’ first/early films before they became huge stars. Like I said, I don’t really have a criteria. Anyway, starting this a little late in the year, but I’ll be doing a small review of each film to hopefully give myself the itch to start writing again regularly.

Here we are once again. Danity Kane is back AGAIN with new fire for our playlists. I really never thought I’d see the day where arguably the best girl group in time would release music together again under the iconic name they built. 

Aubrey, Shannon and Dawn just released “Neøn Lights” last night and, honestly, I’m so proud. If you’re not sure why, let me just take you through a brief history of the group:

-Danity Kane formed in 2005 with five members. They released their debut album which hit number one on the Billboard 200 in its first week.

-After 2 number-one albums, sold-out tours and commercial success, the group was disbanded in 2009 due to creative differences within the group and with their management (big F U to P. Diddy)

-In 2013, the group announced they were getting back together sans one member and was preparing to release new music.

-in 2014, shortly after the departure of a second member, a physical altercation between two of the three remaining group members led to the ultimate demise and second breakup of the group. This happened weeks before the release of their highly anticipated third album. They bitterly released the album even though the group was no more where it debuted at number one on the iTunes R&B chart. Bittersweet was an understatement.

-jump to 2018 where the group members are all doing their own projects. They begin teasing fans by interacting with each other. Soon after, they announce a tour (what?!)  where they would perform Danity Kane’s music as well as music they created outside of the group (one member went solo, Dawn, and the other members formed their own group, Dumblonde). 

Which leads us to today. They’ve successfully reunited, performed countless shows as a trio and are finally releasing new music after four years. 

So yes. I am proud af. I’ve been a huge fan since the group was formed on MTV’s “Making the Band,” so to see all the obstacles the group has overcome makes it all worth it. Anyway, about the new music...

It slaps. The group focused on heavy R&B sounds in their first three albums, so I was completely surprised when “Neøn Lights” was released to hear that it was a dance-heavy, electronic, techno-sounding single that no one was expecting. For me, it shows growth. It shows that the group is ready for that next step and, hopefully, a step towards a new journey together that will last longer than a year. 

I do have to say that the individual projects the group members created were not in my general interest, but I definitely gave them a chance to support them anyway I could. I’m happy to say I’ve added tons of their individual music to my everyday playlists. 

So what’s next? Well, they have an interactive show scheduled at the end of this month in New York where fans get to choose what songs the group performs...DURING THE SHOW. If that’s not innovative, I don’t know what is. I’m thinking that if the shows are a success, they will take it on the road (fingers crossed). As far as new music, it’s inevitable; they will definitely be releasing a new album in the near future. They’ve been spending way too much time together to not have something cooking in the oven. 

Until then, stream, buy and sulk in “Neøn Lights” by Danity Kane. 

Apple Music

iTunes

Yeah, I know. Charlie Puth released Voicenotes back in May of this year and it is now October, but I had to do this one because this shit is straight fire. From beginning to end. I’ve recently decided that he’s a musical genius and I try everyday to start a conversation around his music. The album serves as Puth’s sophomore album follow-up to 2016’s Nine Track Mind. 

It was clearly evident that Charlie Puth released his first album in the backseat of the car while the record label was drove at 80 mph trying to capitalize on his “See You Again” success. The complete contrast of sounds between Nine Track Mind and Voicenotes is night and day. The latter truly introduces us to Charlie and displays his talent and creativity. I know it’s crazy to say, but I honestly feel that this is one of those albums that is the closest to perfect that any artist can get to.

Puth really prides himself on conquering pop music on Voicenotes through making sure that his new music is actually HIS music and not just something his name is slapped on. The album is full of strong songs that could easily stand alone, but together create a complete work of art. 

Another area he conquered was pop music relevance. Many of the bigger name pop artists have recently given radio-friendly pop music a break in favor of more personal singer-songwriter music. I feel like that was always Charlie’s intention as well, but he got to have his cake and eat it too; almost every song on the album could be released as a single and easily place on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Clearly Puth could have created this monster of an album by himself, but he called on some extra talent to help out. He features the queen Kehlani on “Done For Me,” and James Taylor on “Change.” Also, he was able to snag a feature from Boyz II Men on “If You Leave Me Now.” Charlie has subtle odes to the R&B era of 90s that he carefully placed throughout the album, so a feature from one of the biggest acts who influenced an entire genre of music was definitely a strategic compliment on Voicenotes. 

Compared to his “doo-wop” flop of a debut album (it wasn’t really THAT bad, but it is pretty cringe), Voicenotes is exactly what he needed to show the world to show that he isn’t just a creation from a record label, but an actual musician who gives a fuck about what he’s doing. The music is catchy, not repetitive, and explores different genres while staying true to the album’s pop sound. 

Apart from the album’s first single, “Attention,” he’s released “How Long,” “The Way I Am” and arguably the best song on the album, “Done For Me,” as follow-ups as he treks through North America on The Voicenotes Tour. I’d personally love to see “BOY” released as a single, however, I don’t see much promo left as Puth begins to prepare his next album. 

While we wait on #CP3, here’s a clip of an interview where he discusses how he created “Attention.” The video is only 6 minutes of your time but trust me when I say it changes the way you think of music. 

I’m writing this because I’m low-key really offended. Kesha was at some performance when she told the crowd her “dance-pop music was silly.”

I felt personally attacked when I read this. Here’s why:

Do you remember when Janelle from Teen Mom was 100% completely on board with doing time in jail so she could go to the Kesha concert? Well that’s not me. However, I am a huge fan of her music. The old stuff anyway. We can discuss her new shit later.

Anyway, Kesha’s first three albums were complete fire from start to finish. Remember her first single, “Tik Tok?” You could not escape that song. It was number one on the Billboard chart for a while and then she kept cranking out hit after hit. So, tell me, how is that silly, hitting number one with your debut single?

I have a specific memory of my friends and I hitting up our local Best Buy where I found Kesha’s Cannibal album, so I bought it. I had my friends play the album for us on the drive home and we were going in. So, for me, Kesha’s music has kind of played a big part in special memories for me. Not all of her music, but some. Music is my favorite thing, so seeing someone who I rooted for for so long go and insult my nostalgic memories, that shit hurts.

Now, on to her new music. I thought Kesha put out the album Rainbow because she was still under the contract with Sony. I thought it was a complete fluke and she was just putting out music to put out music and get through her contract asap. Never in a million years did I think that her new music was intentional. I never thought she was actually proud of that album. I completely brushed off that album because A: I think the album is complete crap. I wanted “Tik Tok” Kesha back. I was completely dissapointed. and B: I thought she as just trying to end her contract.

So to Kesha: I’m sorry you think the music that put you on the map is ‘silly.’ I’m sorry that you feel like you are too advanced of a writer for you to be proud of the music that gave you your fanbase. And I’m sorry that not all of us give a shit about what goes into a song. Whether it was written in 10 minutes or in 10 days, music is music. You are in no position to be bashing your early career. Humble your ass down, and I honestly hope you get back into that dance-pop music because you were way funner.

Read what Kesha said about her music here. Take what you will from it. 

Let’s end it on a positive note and re-live Kesha’s glory days when her music was ‘silly.’

Who would have thought that I would be sitting here writing a review on Camila Cabello’s debut album after the vocal year I had about her? I will be the first to say that I was not a fan of hers when she was in Fifth Harmony, and I really wasn’t a fan of her solo career. However, when I first heard “Havana” when it was released, I was kind of hooked. Almost six months later, Camila released her self-titled debut and now here we are. How am I feeling about it? Well..

The album starts out pretty strong with Camila’s second single serving as the first track, “Never Be The Same.” I do have to say that even though the song has a solid chorus, the bridge and verses are all done in that low-octave, breath-heavy vocal style that so many musicians have become accustomed to. Though it sounds great on a recorded version of a song, it just doesn’t deliver for live performances. I found that same style of singing throughout the entire album, unfortunately. For someone who prides themselves as a “vocalist,” I expected more of a powerhouse album. DON’T BE LIKE SELENA GOMEZ.

I was not feeling “All These Years.” The song is such a letdown, mainly because it comes on the heels of the amazing opening song. I didn’t even realize the song started because of the high I was still on from the previous song. Yes, I really liked “Never Be the Same.” Like alot.

I do have to applaud the girl for keeping some straight consistency on this album. Every song, the attitude and even the album cover all seamlessly intertwine to give a theme of ‘proud Cuban heritage.’ I appreciate themes so much more in albums now because it makes it a collective work of art, so the only thing that would have made this album better would have been a summer release date.

With a collective theme, there is a small chance that all the songs will sound too similar. That’s what happened here. It can be a good thing, if done right. I don’t have too much of a problem because the songs aren’t half bad, but Camila walks a thin line of unified theme and repetitive white noise.

“Consequences” wins as the most emotional song on the album. Here’s me being completely selfish for a minute: It’s hard to take Camila seriously as a songwriter because the song is about heartbreak, love and being in a relationship. We have never seen her publicly be in a relationship, so where did all these emotions come from? She either had someone write her emotions for her, or she’s damn good at keeping her private life private. Anyway..

I have to say that “In the Dark” did nothing for me. It’s not a bad song, but you know how every album has that one song that is just kind of there? This is the one.

The album ends on a high note with “Into It.” I can’t see this song becoming a single, but its a great song to end the album with. It’s upbeat, shows off her chops and does her career justice to solidify her solo endeavors.

Why was the debut album only 10 songs? That still baffles me. I understand quality over quantity, but when the album barely hits 30 minutes, I think there is definitely room for an extra song or two. Camila isn’t the only artist to do smaller sets of songs on an album, so I can’t put ALL the blame on her.

Overall, the album is satisfying. The first half of it really lives up to the pressured hype Camila created for herself. I have accepted her career and with that, I can say that the album was made with real creativity. I may not have the album on repeat after a few listens, but I am proud of myself for giving it a chance and proud of Camila for doing the damn thing. Cheers.

Here’s the 7-hour music video for “Havana”

How do I even begin to describe the feeling? I feel like my children finally achieved their dreams, and I don’t even have kids. Proud is an understatement. If I could give Fifth Harmony a trophy for being the best, I would.

Fifth harmony just released their third album, and, my god, I am completely in awe. They’ve finally created an album with no “filler songs” where each could stand on its own. Huge disappointment that it’s only 10 songs, but I’ll take what I can get, I guess. 

Also, I don’t know what determines the type of promotion is done for a new album, but Epic Records needs to get their shit together and work on these girls and their music. The first single, “Down,” off the self-titled album was promoted for a full three days before it was tossed aside. The album was literally only promoted in the US for a week before it was released. And next week, the girls take off to Asia, so that was it for their US Promo. Excuse me? 

All negativity aside, let’s talk Fifth Harmony: holy shit is this a great album or what? The album is literally only 33 minutes long (again, wtf?) so take a half an hour of your day and listen to it in it’s entirety before making any judgements. The group really ran with their creative input this time around. The songs are more R&B driven but definitely still radio friendly and infused with their signature boppy sound. And, holy shit, the confidence they show is completely blinding (See: “He Like That,” “Deliver” and “Angel”). 

 They’ve definitely taken a more mature sound and image and combined it with a perfectly executed sexual freedom stance. As the four members of the group continue to dominate the girl-group genre, their strong bond gives them even more power to continue climbing the ladder of success. Never have I seen this group be more cohesive, loving or rhythmic before. The album flows so much better than any of their previous work because instead of the label focusing on one voice, vocals are distributed evenly among the girls. Where one falls short, another assists and vice versa. 

 As for the standout song on the album, I’m going with 'Don’t Say You Love Me.’ The song really allows each member to kill the vocal game both independently and as a whole. Again, I could not be more proud of Fifth Harmony and this album. 

They deserve all the success and more. As a fan who watched them get created from four soloists to a group and now to a full-fledged music act, I am extatic for their accomplishments and I respect the hell out of them. 

 I had the honor of meeting them for the second time last week at an album signing and I could feel the radiation of their confidence as a foursome and how proud they were to be together after all the bullshit. The aura of the group is completely different now and 100% more positive than before. 

 Congratulations, ladies. Here’s to many more!

Watch the video for Fifth Harmony’s latest single, “He Like That,” down below:

I stand for everything Stanaj. Kid can SING. I would probably put money down to argue that he’s one of the best singers out there right now - both just out of enjoying his music and scientifically (if that’s a thing). 

His new single, “The Way I Love Her” just released and if it doesn’t launch him into mainstream success, I’ll be ready to flip tables. It’s uptempo, catchy, and his vocals really shine as he shows off the incredible range he’s capable of. The song screams ‘radio success,’ but we all know how hard it is to make it when current radio is dominated by four artists. 

He’s been in the studio with RedOne recently, who basically helped launch the career of Lady Gaga as a producer on her debut album, and has confirmed they have more music to release. When? Who knows. We are still waiting on his debut album to pop after the 2 EP’s Stanaj released already. 

As of now, there’s no official video for the single, but rest assured, I’m sure it’s on the way. For now, check out the lyric video below:

First off, a huge congratulations to The Weeknd for reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Starboy,” the title track from his latest album. The song is his third #1 on the countdown.

As a big fan of his Beauty Behind the Madness album, I expected great things from Starboy, and I got exactly what I hoped for.  On top of 18 potential chart-toppers, The Weeknd managed to basically sell out an entire tour supporting the album in a short amount of time.

Of the 18 songs on Starboy, here’s my faves: 

Starboy: As the album’s lead single, its radio-friendly and it stays true to The Weekend’s signature sound. It’s dark, its edgy af, and its completely different from the current hits of 2016.

False Alarm: It’s difficult to have a dark song with tons of energy and have it come out as great as this song did. The track sticks out like a sore thumb on the album since the rest of it is mostly mellow, but who’s complaining? The song blows my anxiety through the roof (in a good way, if that makes sense) with its pounding beat and screeches and almost makes me feel like I’m insane. If that was his goal, he won.

Ordinary Life: For me, this song embodies most of what The Weeknd’s sound is. If I had to describe his music to someone, this would be the song I would use. A slow, base-heavy beat, simple vocals and a complete story round out this intriguing song. It’s dark, it’s relaxing, and it’s got The Weeknd all over it.

Secrets: This almost-pop song has a great integration of The Weeknd’s dark sound and a pop filler song that is all too present across all mainstream musician’s albums. The difference? “Secrets” has the potential of becoming a successful track even if not released as a single.

A Lonely Night: What I thought was great about this album was the inclusion of tracks that were so much more upbeat than The Weeknd’s original sound. “A Lonely Night” is a subtle homage to late-80s R&B with a little disco undertone. The song also reminds me of “In The Night,” a single off his Beauty Behind the Madness album that is also a personal favorite of mine.

 I Feel It Coming: My favorite track off the entire album. Grammy potential for 2017. Pure greatness. What I love most about this track is the underlying homage to Michael Jackson. Whether it was intentional or not, or even if I’m the only one that notices it, “I Feel It Coming” takes the cake as the best song off Starboy. Please don’t @ me. The song features Daft Punk, who were also featured on the title track of the album. This duo the two acts have created could only mean bigger things are coming and I’m down for it. As the last song on the album, it completes the full circle of Starboy and proves that The Weeknd is one of the best musicians in the industry.

Joanne. Is. KILLIN IT.

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you would have missed that Lady Gaga was preparing for the comeback of the decade. Earlier this month, she released her fourth solo full-length album, titled Joanne. Being Lady Gaga, everyone was completely shook when they heard the first single, let alone the rest of the album.

She went for a complete reinvention with this album by ditching all the bells and whistles of her signature sound and replacing them with live bands and simple lyrics. We are all so used to the over-produced pop hits and the over-the-top symbolic lyrics she’s used since her career began, and with this new album, she does none of that.

Joanne is an album many people are calling “country.” Personally, I don’t hear ANY country. I see why people would want to associate it with country music, but this is a pop album. Just because it doesn’t sound like anything on the radio right now or her older music for that matter doesn’t mean she’s necessarily shying away from pop. Same music, different direction. If that makes sense.

I was able to somewhat relate this album to The Fame, Gaga’s first album. If you’ve listened to both albums, I’d say there is similarity between Joanne and The Fame’s “Brown Eyes” and “Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say).” Those songs stood out like a sore thumb on her first album because they were very simple songs with lyrics that were very easy to understand and relate to. Joanne is basically a collection of songs exactly like that where it doesn’t take much effort to understand or connect to.

The first single off Joanne, “Perfect Illusion,” was met with mixed reviews for this exact reason. People are so hard to please, which is why musicians like Lady Gaga don’t give a fuck. She’s at a point in her career and in music culture where she can pretty much do whatever she wants and she will still garner the same amount of attention. Why? Because she’s fucking talented, that’s why. Name another female musician who can perform, write, sing and influence people like that.

As I listen to the album more and really dive into the meaningful lyrics, it is slowly starting to become my favorite work of hers so far. Personal favorites from Joanne are “Come to Mama,” “Grigio Girls,” and “A-YO.” Like I said before, the album leaves behind Gaga’s signature dance-pop genre and embraces a more raw sound that focuses more on the music itself. It can be heard in each song’s vocals that sound like they were recorded in one take each. Again, name another musician that can do that.

I don’t want to compare her or Joanne to another artist or their work. In the music industry, it’s not fair to compare everyone to each other. There’s no competition. Everyone’s just different. Lady Gaga has always marched to the beat of her own drum. With this new album, she continues to show why her creativity and talent earn her a spot as one of the best musicians of all time.

Joanne is now available on Apple Music. Watch the video for “Perfect Illusion” below:

Jojo is back. With her first full-length album release since 2006, the 25-year-old artist is ready to get back in the game with a new soulful R&B record pumped with attitude, powerhouse vocals and not one fuck to give. I mean, after dealing with what she dealt with, would you?

After releasing The High Road 10 years ago, Jojo began an excruciating battle with Blackground Records when they refused to let her release an album and refused to let her out of her record deal. When they went silent after she tried to release a third album multiple times, she took legal action to end the contract. 

Fast-forward to 2014, the war was finally over and Jojo was free. She wasted no time getting back in the studio under Atlantic Records and released a new EP the following year as a re-introduction.

Mad Love was announced at the end of July earlier this year and was met with nothing but praises. She also announced she would be touring with Fifth Harmony on their 7/27 Tour through September. Jojo’s first single, “Fuck Apologies.,” features Wiz Khalifa and is nothing short of an iconic IDGAF song about her not being sorry for the end of a relationship.

 The highly-anticipated album opens with the heartbreaking ballad “Music.” about making her late father proud after making it in the business while recounting the struggles her family faced to make ends meet. Not only is this song an excellent way to begin this emotional Mad Love journey, but it’s also an amazing song to show off her developed vocal range that was kept silent for so long.

 As if the opening song was not a big enough dive into her personal life, Jojo takes us on an emotional rollercoaster with the rest of the album as she talks about her past relationships on “Reckless.,” sex on “Edibles.,” and self-empowerment on “I am.”

Jojo also brings on a few friends to lend their voices to an already amazing album. Alessia Cara is featured on “I Can Only.” where they sing about being true to themselves and not letting people or situations control their behaviors or decisions. She also features a Remy Ma rap on “FAB.,” where she sings about all the fake ass bitches she’s encountered. If that doesn’t have the potential to be iconic, I don’t know what does.

Jojo confirmed on her Twitter that she will be touring in support of the albumearly next year. Mad Love is available on iTunes and Apple Music now. Check out the video for “Fuck Apologies.” featuring Wiz Khalifa below: